Lectin Inhibition of Bacterial Adhesion to Animal Cells

Adhesion of bacteria to epithelial cells of the respiratory, gastric, and genitourinary mucosa is generally considered to be the initial step in the pathogenesis of many bacterial infections (1). Adhesion enables the bacteria to localize near a food source and to resist being washed away by the fluids that constantly bathe mucosal surfaces Bacteria that persist at the site of attachment can proliferate and thus establish a stable colonization. If the bacteria produce the necessary exoenzymes and/or exotoxins to overcome other host defenses, they may invade deeper into the tissues and cause chmcal symptoms.